The Downtowners’
City Center Newsletter
December 8, 2011
What You Will Find…
□ Rating 2011 in Downtown Bismarck
□ DowntownersHolidayMixer Dec 15
□ Downtown Updates
□ Upcoming Events
□ Association News
Creating a Picture for Downtown in 2011
How Does 2011 Shape Up for the City Center…
As the end of the year approaches, many of us take stock in the past year and put a value on it. It could be Excellent, Average, Needs Improvement, Can’t Wait for 2012. Looking back, Downtown Bismarck in 2011 was remarkable, a banner year, a bright spot. For a better part of the last decade, ground work was being laid for a Renaissance in our historic district, and 2011 has made it visible to all. The sight of new businesses, retail, and restaurants that have been popping up all over the district. The sounds of new construction on over $30 million in private investment. And the feeling of renewed life and pride into Bismarck’s heart and soul. Many business owners who have been in theCityCenterfor decades have commented on the building of energy that has been making its way back to Downtown in 2011. Its you, the Downtown Stakeholders that have made this possible.
As our organization looks forward at 2012 and beyond, we see great strides coming. We get daily calls about people wanting to do business downtown, live downtown, and explore its historic treasures.
Downtown is also a key component to the community ofBismarck’s growth and retention. TheCityCenteris a great tax generator for our community, while being a smaller tax user. As anUrbanCenterstarts to develop it will retain those who have come from larger communities wanting urban amenities.
Nationwide, Downtown Revitalization is trending very strong. The benefits are too great to pass up: tax efficiencies for cities, attracting young professionals, sparking tourism and community pride, and adding a sense of civic engagement that had been in decline. 2011, you can visit us anytime.
Downtowners’ Holiday Membership Mixer Dec 15
Drinks…check. Appetizers…check. Holidaynetworking….CHECK! Members, you are invited to the Downtowners’ Holiday Membership Mixer at Starion Financial’s Downtown location. There will be drinks, light refreshments, and door prizes. Stop by and say hi to your Downtown neighbors, whether it’s for business or pleasure, we’d love to see you there and wish you a Happy Holidays! A huge holiday thank you to Starion Financial for hosting us. The mixer will be 5-7pm on Thursday December 15.
Click here to RSVP! RSVP to Downtowners Holiday Mixer Here!
Downtown Updates
-With the first snow this past weekend, we’d like to dust off the snow removal procedures for Downtown Bismarck. By ordinance, the sidewalk in front of your business or property must be removed 24 hours after snowfall. This includes the handicapped curb cuts. In the case of heavy snowfall, the city will periodically clean the ridges from edge of the sidewalks and truck them from Downtown. Thank you for keeping Downtown walkable!
-Snowflake lights and banners are up, please take caution if you are in a delivery truck. If you accidentally hit one, please report it to our office or the city and we can get it taken care of. Thanks!
-Anyone interested in spaces for purchase or lease downtown can check out our website’s Real Estate Section. www.downtownbismarck.com.
-The Renaissance Zone Authority had a special meeting to discuss goals, objectives, and feedback about Downtown Development inBismarck. The feedback from property and business owners was positive regarding the programs used and what’s been accomplished thus far. Goals looking forward will be to grow the market rate residential opportunities, increase retail and commercial spaces, add a new percentage of jobs, as well as other infrastructure needs.
-The Downtown Bismarck Artist Co-op (BDAC) has found a home. A space in the former Bismarck Tribune building on4th StandThayer Avehas been selected. The Artist Co-op is scheduled to open December 16.
Holiday Window Downtown Decorating Contest
Winter Wonderland: Downtowners’ Holiday Window Decorating Contest
This year’s theme is “A Winter Wonderland”. This theme celebrates the season by bringing an idyllic Northern winter scene inside. Think snow blankets and fir trees, icicles and beautiful wintry murals for your windows and store fronts. -OR- Use a verse or two from the holiday classic by Dean Martin Winter Wonderland. A group of independent judges will be walking around from Dec 1-15 to pick their favorite windows! The winners will be announced in our newsletter and on our website. There will be great prizes and Downtown Dollars for 1st thru 3rd places. Your creativity creates community pride; people love to see the holiday spirit of the heart of the community. Happy Holidays!
Upcoming events
What’s Shakin Downtown
ThroughHolidaySeason
Sertoma Christmas in the Park
SertomaPark6-10 Nightly
258-8586
December 8-11
Dakota Stage Presents: “Alexander
And the Terrible, Horrible, No Good,
Very Bad Day. www.dakotastageltd.com
December 9-11
North Plains Dance Presents:
The Nutcracker @ The Belle
December 10
BAGA’s Holiday Cookie Walk
10am-3pm
December 13
Chamber’s Holiday Mixer
BismarckCivic Center
December 15
Downtowners’HolidayMixer
Starion Financial Downtown 5-7pm
December 15
Bis-Man Young Professional’s
HolidayCelebration
December 16
Bis Downtown Artist Co-op’s
“A Foot In The Door” Opening
Historic TribuneBuilding, 4th St
December 20
Lorie Line Christmas Concert
Historic Belle Mehus
December 26-31
Papa’s Polar Patch
12-5pm daily
Downtowners’ Association News
Organization and member news …
Welcome to Our Newest Members!
Broadway Centre: Steve and Carla Pine
Feil Orthodontics
Northern Plains Dance
□ Peacock Alley and Dakota Stage are having Date Night! Enjoy dinner and show, for details visit: www.dakotastageltd.com.
□ Downtown Dollars Update: Please let us know if you’d like to participate in Downtown Dollars. Customers can by one gift certificate to use throughout Downtown’s many locations. Businesses are reimbursed 100% by the Downtowners. Many organizations use these as employee gifts.
□ Colette Wiedmann has been named showroom manager at One Source Lighting inBismarck. Wiedmann has been employed by One Source Lighting for 8 years as the office manager & bookkeeper while also demonstrating showroom success enhancing the customer shopping experience, through responding to customer needs and securing customer loyalty. One Source Lighting’s residential and commercial lighting showroom is located at122 North Mandan Street,Bismarck,North Dakota.
□ Teen Cupcake Decorating and Book Discussion @Bismarck Public Library Monday, January 16, 2-4 pm, Bismarck Public Library Meeting Room B. Join teens ages 14+ and have fun decorating cupcakes. Class will be taught by a local cake decorating expert. Afterwards creations will be enjoyed and teens will discuss the book The Maze Runner by James Dashner. Space is limited, so call 355-1487 to save a spot for yourself and a friend. Enjoy your day off from school at the library! Presented by the Teen Services Department.
Please send all member business news and events to: kate@downtownbismarck.com. Check the Downtown Business Association’s websites for updated news and events www.downtownbismarck.com or www.bismarckribfest.com
Please forward this on to people interested in Downtown news!